Wheel assembly including inner and outer rim coupled rings defining a mechanical stop and related methods

ABSTRACT

A wheel assembly to be coupled to a hub of a vehicle may include an inner rim to be coupled to the hub of the vehicle and an outer rim surrounding the hub. The wheel assembly may also include gas springs operatively coupled between the inner rim and the outer rim to provide a gas suspension for relative movement between the inner rim and the outer rim. The wheel assembly may also include an outer ring coupled to the outer rim and an inner ring coupled to the inner rim and defining a closeable gap with adjacent portions of the outer ring to define a mechanical stop to limit relative movement of the inner rim and outer rim.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part to application Ser.No. 16/237,478 filed Dec. 31, 2018, which claims the priority benefit ofprovisional application Ser. No. 62/764,138 filed on Jul. 19, 2018, theentire contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of wheels, and moreparticularly, to wheel assemblies for a vehicle and related methods.

BACKGROUND

A typical wheel may include a rim and tire surrounding the rim. The tiretransfers a load of a vehicle from the axle through the wheel to theground. Tires, for example, those found on most vehicles are pneumatictires. In other words, a typical tire is pneumatically inflated, forexample, with air or other gas, such as nitrogen. More particularly, airis injected into the space between the rim and the inside of the tire toinflate it.

During operation, being pneumatically inflated, a tire absorbs theforces as the vehicle travels over the road surface. The tire andassociated inflation pressure may be selected to absorb the above-notedforces while reducing any deformation. However, in many instances,excessive forces placed on the tire may cause the tire and/or rim todeform, puncture, or blowout. Typical forces also cause tread wear ofthe tire, while excessive forces may also cause rapid tread wear thatmay lead to a shortened lifespan of the tire and decreased structuralintegrity of the wheel.

To address the shortcomings of pneumatic-based wheels, non-pneumaticwheels have been developed. By non-pneumatic, it is meant that air orother gas is not injected to inflate an interior volume of a tire. Oneapproach to a non-pneumatic wheel uses mechanical springs. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 911,975 to Gustafson discloses a spring wheel. Secondaryspokes are arranged in pairs between pairs of main spokes and themembers of each of the secondary spokes therefore pass upon oppositesides of a corresponding pair of intersecting braces. Each of thesecondary spokes includes a pair of telescoping members that arepivotally connected at its outer end to ears formed on the hub andextends at its opposite end into a corresponding member.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,601,518 to Weston discloses a resilient wheel thatincludes radial arms. Connection between a hub and rim members may beprovided by pivot pins in outer ends of these arms that have linksjournaled thereon. The links are pivotally articulated with bent levers,which are in turn pivoted on bracket arms that extend inwardly from thepart-circular plates, which are mounted on an inner periphery of a tireholding rim.

Another approach includes a disc between a wheel hub and outer rim. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 1,808,886 to Courtney also discloses a disc orsidewall between a wheel hub and a rim. The disc is engaged by studsthat project from the wheel hub and extends from an outer flangeobliquely to the wheel hub. The disc assists the wheel tire and rim byresisting any tendency to become displayed laterally as a result ofstresses occurring while the wheel is turning.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,979,935 to Henap discloses a hydraulic spoke wheel. Eachof the hydraulic spokes include telescoping sections in the form of anouter section and an inner section. The outer section has the studprojecting from one end. The inner section extends from the outersection and is equipped at its extended end with the stem.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,838 to Al-Sabah discloses a wheel that includesspokes positioned in a spaced apart relation to each other. Each of thespokes has a first end connected to a rim and a second end connected toa plate member tip of a hub plate member in an offset position from therespective radial axis thereof. The offset position of each of thespokes is further defined by each of the spokes being connected to arespective one of the plate member tips at a predetermined angle (e.g.,less than 90-degrees) from the radial axis thereof and defining anoperative offset spoke axis, which intersects the radial axis of theplate member tips at the predetermined angle.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,480 to Cornellier discloses shock absorbing spokeseach having a central cylindrical tube. Each tube has an interior caphaving an aperture and an exterior cap having an aperture. Each spokehas an interior piston, a rod with an aperture and a pin. The pinpivotably couples one of the spokes to the hub. Each spoke has anexterior piston, a rod with an aperture and a pin. The pin pivotablycouples one of the spokes to the rim assembly. The interior pistons andexterior pistons divide the space within each tube into an interiorchamber, an exterior chamber, and a central chamber.

Despite advances in pneumatic tire wheels, and non-pneumatic tirewheels, there is still a need for improvements in wheel technology,particularly, for large construction vehicles, or mining vehicles, forexample. The expense of wheel replacement, and the downtime experiencedduring wheel replacement may add significant expenses to theconstruction or mining projects.

SUMMARY

A wheel assembly to be coupled to a hub of a vehicle may include aninner rim to be coupled to the hub of the vehicle and an outer rimsurrounding the hub. The wheel assembly may also include a plurality ofgas springs operatively coupled between the inner rim and the outer rimto provide a gas suspension for relative movement between the inner rimand the outer rim. The wheel assembly may also include an outer ringcoupled to the outer rim, and an inner ring coupled to the inner rim anddefining a closeable gap with adjacent portions of the outer ring todefine a mechanical stop to limit relative movement of the inner rim andouter rim.

The plurality of gas springs may have an operating stroke permitting theouter ring and inner ring to define the mechanical stop. The outer ringmay include a plurality of weight-reduction openings therein, forexample. The plurality of weight-reduction openings may include aplurality of circular openings.

The wheel assembly may include a respective attachment bracket for eachgas spring coupled to the outer rim. The plurality of gas springs may bearranged in pairs on opposite sides of the outer ring, for example. Theplurality of gas springs may diverge outwardly from the inner ring tothe outer rim.

The wheel assembly may include a plurality of inboard lateral stopscoupled between an inboard side the outer rim and an inboard side of theinner rim, and a plurality of outboard lateral stops coupled between anoutboard side of the outer rim and an outboard side of the inner rim.The plurality of inboard lateral stops and the plurality of outboardlateral stops may cooperate to limit relative lateral movement of theouter ring and the inner ring, for example.

The plurality of inboard lateral stops may include a plurality ofinboard hinge retainers, and the plurality of outboard lateral stops mayinclude a plurality of outboard hinged retainers. The plurality ofinboard hinge retainers each may include an inboard hinge bracket and aninboard elastomeric body carried thereby, and the plurality of outboardhinge retainers may each include an outboard hinge bracket and anoutboard elastomeric body carried thereby, for example.

The outer rim may have a diameter of at least 3.5 feet, for example.Each of the plurality of gas springs may include a double-acting gascylinder and associated piston.

A method aspect is directed to a method of making a wheel assembly to becoupled to a hub of a vehicle. The method may include operativelycoupling a plurality of gas springs between an inner rim to be coupledto the hub of the vehicle and an outer rim surrounding the hub toprovide a gas suspension for relative movement between the inner rim andthe outer rim. The method may also include coupling an outer ring to theouter rim and coupling an inner ring to the inner rim that defines acloseable gap with adjacent interior portions of the outer ring todefine a mechanical stop to limit relative movement of the inner rim andouter rim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle having wheel assemblies according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the wheel assembly of FIG.2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inner rim, disk, and attachmentbrackets of the wheel assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a wheel assembly includingtread assemblies and a removable sidewall in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a wheel assembly inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of a portion of a wheel assembly inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tread member support of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the tread assembly of FIG.9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a tread member of the tread assembly ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an inboard clamping member of a wheelassembly according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an outboard clamping member of a wheelassembly according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of a wheel assembly includingoutboard clamping members in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an outer rim,retaining feature, and tread assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a tread assembly inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly in accordance withanother embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the lateral stops of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a wheel assemblyincluding a local controller for controlling an operating response of agas spring in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a wheel assemblyincluding a local controller for controlling an operating response of agas spring in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the inboard removable sidewall of thewheel assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an outboard removable sidewall of awheel assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly in accordance withanother embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a wheel assemblyincluding a sensor for measuring distance between the inner and outerrims in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a side cut-away view of a portion of a wheel assembly inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 27 a perspective cut-away view of the portion of the wheel assemblyof FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a cover ring and flexible seal of FIG.27.

FIG. 29 is another perspective view of the cover ring and flexible sealof FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the flexible seal of FIG. 27.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of another cover ring and flexible seal ofFIG. 27.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a portion of a wheel assembly accordingto another embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an inboard lateral stop of the wheelassembly of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a portion of the wheel assembly of FIG.34 and without weight-reduction openings in the inner ring.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the portion of the wheel assembly of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of inboard and outboard lateral stops ofthe wheel assembly of FIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used toindicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5, a wheel assembly 30 to be coupled to ahub 21 of a vehicle 20 includes an inner rim 31 to be coupled to the hubof the vehicle. The inner rim 31 may be coupled to the hub 21 of thevehicle 20 with fasteners through fastener receiving passageways 24within inwardly extending flange ring 25. Illustratively, the flangering 25 is centered laterally within the inner rim 31, but may bepositioned in another arrangement based upon a desired mountingarrangement with the hub 21. Other coupling arrangements may be used tocouple the inner rim 31 to the hub 21.

The wheel assembly 30 also includes an outer rim 33 surrounding theinner rim 31. The outer rim 33 may have a diameter of at least 3.5 feet,and more particularly, at least 4 feet. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that with a diameter of at least 3.5 feet, the wheel assembly30, and more particularly, the outer rim 33 may be particularlyadvantageous for relatively large or heavy machinery, such as, forexample, earth excavation equipment and mining equipment. A typicaloverall outer diameter of such a wheel assembly may be 100 inches orgreater. The outer rim 33 may have an increased thickness portion 38along an inner circumference thereof. The increased thickness portion 38may be provided by welding a separate reinforcing ring in position or itmay be integrally formed with the outer rim 33, for example.

Referring additionally to FIG. 6, a disk 40 is coupled to the inner rim31 and defines a closeable gap 41 with adjacent interior portions of theouter rim 33. The disk 40 also includes weight-reduction openings 43therein. The weight-reduction openings 43 each illustratively have agenerally round or circular shape. The weight-reduction openings 43 mayhave another shape, such as oblong, hexagonal, and/or contoured forstress reduction, for example. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat having a reduced weight may increase the fuel efficiency of thevehicle 20 and/or may increase the lifespan of wheel assembly 30.

The disk 40 also includes spaced apart thickened wall portions 42. Thespaced apart thickened wall portions 42 may be on both the inboard andoutboard surfaces of the disk 40. Each thickened wall portion 42 mayprovide increased strength or support as a coupling or attachment point,and/or to accept increased stresses thereat as will be described infurther detail below. The thickened wall portions 42 may be provided bywelding an additional metal body in position, for example, or they maybe integrally formed with the disk 40. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the thickened wall portions 42 may be in the form ofsolid extensions (i.e., integrally formed with and/or a build-up of) ofthe disk 40, and/or discrete bodies, for example, that function asmechanical stiffeners.

The inner rim 31, outer rim 33, and disk 40 may be formed of a highstrength and rugged material, such as steel. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art other materials may also be used.

Gas springs 50 are operatively coupled between the inner rim 31 and theouter rim 33. Each gas spring 50 may be a double-acting gas spring, forexample, and include a double-acting gas cylinder 51 and an associatedpiston 52. Of course, in some embodiments, each gas spring 50 may be asingle-acting gas spring. More than one type of gas spring may be used.The gas springs 50 may be air springs and/or nitrogen springs, forexample. The gas springs 50 may include other gasses as well.

Illustratively, the gas springs 50 are arranged in pairs on oppositesides of the disk 40. More particularly, the gas springs 50 divergeoutwardly from the inner rim 31 to the outer rim 33. A respectiveattachment bracket 53 a for each gas spring 50 is coupled to arespective thickened wall portion 42 of the disk 40, for example,adjacent the inner rim 31. Each attachment bracket 53 a may include agenerally U-shaped or V-shaped base bracket that receives an end of thepiston 52 therein (e.g., between the arm of the U- or V-shaped bracket).A fastener fastens the end of the piston 52 of the gas spring 50 to thebase bracket and thus, each gas spring is coupled adjacent therespective thickened wall portion 42 of the disk 40 and adjacent theinner rim 31. A similar attachment bracket 53 b is coupled to the outerrim 33 adjacent inboard and outboard surfaces. Accordingly, the gassprings 50 are pivotably coupled between the inner and outer rims 31,33.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the gas springs 50provide a gas suspension for relative movement between the inner rim 31and the outer rim 33. The gas springs 50 have an operating stroke thepermits the disk 40 to define a mechanical stop. In other words, the gassprings 50 maintain the outer rim 33 spaced apart from the inner rim 31.However, if pressure on any gas spring 50 causes the gas spring to reachits limit under load or the gas spring fails, the disk 40 may act as amechanical stop to limit relative movement of the inner and outer rims31, 33. In other words, the disk 40 and gas springs 50 may considered asproviding a run-flat capability.

Initial charge pressures of the gas springs 50, for example, when thegas springs are in the form of double-acting gas springs, will now bedescribed, for example, with respect to initial pressures in the wheelassembly 30 when there are little or no external loads applied thereto(i.e., free-wheel). In particular, the chamber associated with thepiston-side of the cylinder 51 is typically smaller (e.g., by about 10%)than the chamber associated with the full-bore side of the cylinder.Thus, when the piston 52 is centered within the cylinder 51 so thatthere is a relatively equal stroke in tension and compression, thepiston-side chamber pressure is higher (e.g., by about 10%) than thefull-bore side chamber pressure.

Thus, while equal pressure charging of the double-acting gas cylinder 51may be convenient, it results in an offset piston 52, which, in turn,results in an offset force to be applied to assemble the gas springs 50within the wheel assembly 30. To accomplish this, the inner and outerrims 31, 33 may be temporarily fixed in a rigid jig. However, using arigid jig may make replacement of the gas springs 50 in the fieldincreasingly difficult. Thus, to address increased ease of in-fieldreplacement of the gas springs 50, weld-on rings may be coupled to theinner and outer rims 31, 33 and to turn-buckles to temporarily lock theinner and outer rims in place. A similar arrangement may be used in-shopas well, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Accordingly, the result is a pre-stressed inner rim 31 suspension to theouter rim 33. The pre-stressing may ensure that the lateral stops 44, 45(described below) are not active or under pressure. With differentcharge pressures, the suspension can be pre-compressed. While tensionsuspension and compression suspension may be considered equivalent,tension suspension may be particularly advantageous over compressionsuspension, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Another assembly technique may include applying a higher charge pressure(e.g., about 10% more) at the piston-side to center the piston 52 atabout the half-stroke position. This results in there being no initialload on the gas spring 50 at the wheel assembly 30 and facilitatesassembly without the temporary fixing within a jig. Thus, the wheelassembly 30 may be considered to be neither pre-stressed, norpre-compressed, but neutral. For example, a higher full-bore sidechamber pressure may be applied (e.g., about 10% higher) than the pistonside chamber pressure. Gas may be released from the full-bore sidechamber until the piston 52 becomes centered relative to full-stroke.Alternatively, a higher piston-side chamber pressure may be applied(e.g., about 10% higher) than the full-bore side chamber pressure.Releasing gas from the cylinder 51 may be considered easier thansurcharging, however, this may use more gas (e.g., nitrogen) than otherapproaches resulting in an increased cost.

The wheel assembly 30 also includes inboard lateral stops 44 carried byan inboard surface of the outer rim 33. More particularly, the inboardlateral stops 44 are positioned adjacent the thickened wall portion 42.The wheel assembly 30 also includes outboard lateral stops 45 carried byan outboard surface of the outer rim 33. Similarly to the inboardlateral stops 44, the outboard lateral stops 45 are adjacent thethickened wall portion 42. Each thickened wall portion 42 is positionedbetween a pair of inboard and outboard lateral stops 44, 45. The inboardand outboard lateral stops 44, 45 together with the outer rim 33 mayconceptually be considered to be in the form of an L-shaped bracket.Illustratively, the inboard and outboard lateral stops 44, 45 each has asupport plate 61 (e.g., having a rectangular shape) that is transverseto the outer rim 33 and has triangular side members 62.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the inboard andoutboard lateral stops 44, 45 cooperate to limit relative lateralmovement of the disk 40 and the outer rim 33. In other words, turning,for example, of the vehicle 20 may cause lateral movement of the disk 40relative to the outer rim 33. The inboard and outboard lateral stops 44,45 may limit the amount of lateral movement of the disk 40 relative tothe outer rim 33 to thereby maintain structural integrity of the wheelassembly 30. Of course, the inboard and outboard lateral stops 44, 45include other and/or additional components or elements that cooperate tolimit relative lateral movement of the disk 40 and the outer rim 33.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 7-16, the wheel assembly 30illustratively includes tread assemblies 70 carried by the outer rim 33.Each tread assembly 70 includes a tread member support 71. Each treadmember support 71 may be in the form of an arcuate metal plate withopenings 69 a, 69 b therein (FIG. 10) and may couple to an outercircumference of the outer rim 33. One or more of the tread membersupports 71 may be a flat plate in other embodiments. A center one ofthe openings 69 b may receive a pin 83 therein as will be described infurther detail below. In some embodiments, the tread member support 71may not be metal, such as steel. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that given the arcuate shape of the tread member support 71,several tread assemblies 70 are coupled in end-to-end relation aroundthe outer rim 33.

A tread member 72 is coupled or bonded, for example, glued, fastened,etc., to the tread member support 71, and a clamping arrangement 73removably securing the tread member support to the outer rim 33. Theremay be more than one tread member 72 bonded to the tread member support71. The tread member 72 includes a resilient body 85 that has treadpattern 86 defined in an outer surface thereof. The resilient body 85may include rubber or other material, which may be selected based upondesired friction, traction, or other characteristics, for example, basedupon the use of the vehicle 20. The material of the tread member 72 maya metal such as steel, in other embodiments. The tread pattern 86 maysimilarly be selected based upon desired traction or othercharacteristics, for example, based upon the use of the vehicle 20.Moreover, referring briefly to FIG. 17, in another embodiment of a treadassembly 70′, each tread member 72′ and tread member support 71′ mayinclude a common material integrally formed as a monolithic unit, whichmay or may not be metal, such as steel. In other words, each treadmember 72′ and tread member support 71′ define a single unit or body ofthe same material (e.g., an all-metal tread member support and treadmember).

Further details of the clamping arrangement 73 will now be described.The clamping arrangement 73 illustratively includes inboard clampingmembers 74 coupled to the inboard side of the outer rim 33. The inboardclamping members 74 each have a first slotted recess 75 receivingadjacent portions of the tread member support 71. The inboard clampingmembers 74 are removably coupled to the inboard side of the outer rim33. The inboard clamping members 74 are illustratively arranged in anend-to-end relation and each coupled to adjacent respective portions ofthe outer rim 33. In some embodiments, the inboard clamping members 74may be fixed, for example, welded or fixedly coupled, to the inboardside of the outer rim 33 and/or a single inboard clamping member may beused.

The inboard clamping members 74 are coupled to the inboard side of theouter rim 33 by way of fasteners 79 a, for example, threaded fastenersto facilitate removal and replacement, for example, when tread members72 wear or it is desirable to replace the tread members. The threadedfasteners 79 a may extend through openings 89 in the inboard clampingmembers 74 and engage corresponding threaded openings 81 a in the outerrim 33.

The clamping arrangement 73 also illustratively includes outboardclamping members 76 coupled to the outboard side of the outer rim 33.Similar to the inboard clamping member 74, the outboard clamping members76 each has a second slotted recess 77 therein receiving adjacentportions of the tread member support 71. The outboard clamping members76 are removably coupled to the outboard side of the outer rim 33. Theoutboard clamping members 76 are illustratively arranged in anend-to-end relation and each coupled to adjacent respective portions ofthe outer rim 33. In some embodiments, a single outboard clamping member76 may be coupled to the outboard side of the outer rim 33 and extendthe circumference of the outer rim.

The outboard clamping members 76 are coupled to the outboard side of theouter rim 33 by way of fasteners, for example, threaded fasteners tofacilitate removal and replacement, for example, when tread members 72wear, or it is desirable to replace the tread members. The threadedfasteners may extend through openings 78 in the outboard clampingmembers 76 and engage corresponding threaded openings 81 b in the outerrim 33.

The tread member support 71 and adjacent portions of the outer rim 33(e.g., along the outer circumference) define a retaining featuretherebetween. The retaining feature is illustratively in the form of orincludes a pin 83 carried by the outer rim 33 and a pin-receivingopening 84 in the tread member support 71. The pin 83 and thepin-receiving opening 84 may advantageously prevent relative movementbetween the tread member support 71 and the outer rim 33, and alsofacilitate replacement (e.g., easy alignment) of the tread members 72,for example, thereby reducing downtime of the vehicle 20.

Referring now briefly to FIGS. 18 and 19, in another embodiment, theinboard and outboard lateral stops 44″, 45″ are biased toward the disk40″. More particularly, the inboard and outboard lateral stops 44″, 45″each includes an arm 46″ extending radially inward from the inboard andoutboard interior surfaces of the outer rim 33″. A transverse arm 47″ iscoupled to an end of each arm 46″. Each transverse arm 47″ carries aplug 48″ that is biased toward the disk 40″ by a biasing member 49″, forexample, a spring, such as a coil spring. Other biasing arrangements maybe used. Elements labeled 24″, 25″, 30″, 31″, 41″, 43″, 45″, 50″, 51″,52″, 70″, 76″, 79 a″, 79 b″, 85″ 86″, and 98 b″ are similar to thoserespectively numbered elements described above without double primenotation.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 20, one or more of the gas springs 50may have a controllable response. For example, the gas springs 50 mayhave either or both of a controllable gas pressure and a controllablegas volume. Any number of the gas springs 50 may have a controllableresponse. By having a controllable response, each of the gas springs 50may be operated or controlled as will be explained in further detailbelow, for example, with respect to certain operating conditions and/orenvironments. More particularly, the wheel assembly 30 may include alocal controller 87 (e.g., including a processor and/or circuitry) thatis coupled to the gas springs 50. The local controller 87 may be coupledto any number of gas springs 50. The local controller 87 may be carriedwithin the outer rim 33, for example, inside the outer rim, or by thedisk 40. The local controller 87 may be carried by other elements of thewheel assembly 30. The local controller 87 may also include respectiveactuators and/or valves to control the response of the gas springs 50and cooperate with an accumulator 91 also coupled to the gas springs toact as a pressure and/or volume storage reservoir for gas springs.

The wheel assembly 30 may also include a local sensor 88 coupled to thelocal controller 87. The local controller 87 may control (e.g., monitorand/or adjust) the operating response of the gas springs 50 based uponthe local sensor 88. For example, the local controller 87 may adjust thepressure or volume of the gas springs 50 without controlling theoperation (e.g., extend/retract) of the gas springs. The localcontroller 87 may also adjust, for example, alternatively oradditionally, the operation (e.g., extend/retract) of the gas springs50.

The local sensor 88 may be an acceleration sensor, for example, andcooperate with the local controller 87 to control the controllableresponse of the gas springs 50 based upon a sensed acceleration (e.g.,braking, turning, etc.). The local sensor 88 may be another type ofsensor, for example, a force sensor. There may be more than one localsensor 88. In some embodiments, the local controller 87 may cooperatewith the local sensor 88 to generate a notification, for example, when asensed value exceeds a threshold. The notification may be communicatewithin the vehicle 20 (e.g., in the cab) or remotely from the vehicle.In other words, the local controller 87 may cooperate with the localsensor 88 independently from or without controlling the operatingresponse of the gas springs 50.

Referring now briefly to FIG. 21, in another embodiment, a remotecontroller 92′″ may be carried remote from the wheel assembly 30, forexample, within a wheel well of the vehicle 20 or within the truck cab.The remote controller 92′″ may cooperate with the local sensor 88′″ orother sensor, for example, remote from the wheel assembly 30. The remotecontroller 92′″ may also cooperate with the local controller 87′″ toeffectuate a change in the operating response of the gas springs 50′″.Wiring from the remote controller 92′″ may extend to the localcontroller 87′″, and/or the remote controller may wirelessly communicatewith the local controller. Elements labeled 51′″, 52′″, and 91′″, aresimilar to those respectively numbered elements described above withouttriple prime notation.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the local controller 87controls the operating response of the gas springs 50 while the wheelassembly 30 is rolling. For example, if the vehicle 20, during motionthereof, makes a relatively sharp turn or applies the brakes, the localcontroller 87 may independently control the operating response of eachor selected ones of the gas springs 50 based upon the turn or braking(e.g., increase pressures in the gas springs of front wheel assemblies).Other motion of the vehicle 20 may cause changes in the operatingresponse, such as, for example, failure of any of the gas springs 50,debris in the tread members 72, and/or contact of the disk 40 with theouter rim 33.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 22 and 23, the wheel assembly 30 mayinclude inboard and outboard removable sidewalls 93, 94. The inboard andoutboard removable sidewalls 93, 94 are each illustratively in the formof a round or circular cover carried by the outer rim 33. Moreparticularly, the inboard and outboard removable sidewalls 93, 94 eachhas an opening 95, 105 therein to permit, for example, coupling of thewheel assembly 30 to the hub 21. Respective flanges 103, 106 extendinwardly within the openings 95, 105. The inboard and outboard removablesidewalls 93, 94 may each be coupled to the inboard and outboard sidesof the outer rim 33 by way of fasteners 97 a, 97 b and to the inner rim31 also by way of fasteners 107 a, 107 b. The fasteners 97 a, 97 b maybe received through fastener receiving passageways along the outercircumference of each of the inboard and outboard removable sidewalls93, 94 and fasten to corresponding respective aligned threadedpassageways 98 a, 98 b in the outer rim 33. The threaded passageways 98a, 98 b in the outer rim 33 form a second, inner row of threadedpassageways, with the outer row of threaded passageways 81 a, 81 b forsecuring the clamping arrangement 73 to the outer rim with fasteners 79a (FIG. 7).

Referring now to FIG. 24, in another embodiment, the outboard removablesidewall 94″″ may have a removable inner panel 101″″ that when removed,by way of respective fasteners 102″″, permit access to inner interior ofthe wheel assembly 30″″, for example, the inner rim. Similar to theoutboard removable sidewall described above, the outboard sidewall 94″″couples by way of fasteners 97 b″″ to the outer rim inside of oradjacent the outboard clamping members 76″″ (which are secured to theouter rim also by way of fasteners 79 b″″). Elements labeled 51″″, 52″″,91″″, 70″″ and 72″″ are similar to those respectively numbered elementsdescribed above without quadruple prime notation.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the inboard andoutboard removable sidewalls 93, 94 may be particularly advantageous forreducing the amount of dust and/or debris within the interior of thewheel assembly 30, for example, between the inner and outer rims 31, 33.Accordingly, elements of the wheel assembly 30, for example, the disk 40and gas springs 50, may have increased protection against damage, forexample, from environmental elements (e.g., rocks, dust, dirt, water,etc.), and thus may have a longer service life. In some embodiments, thewheel assembly 30 may not include the inboard and outboard removablesidewalls 93, 94.

Referring now to FIG. 25, in another embodiment, sensors 188 a, 188 bsense relative movement, such as by sensing a distance between the innerrim 131 and the outer rim 133. More particularly, the sensors 188 a, 188b may be in the form of three-axis accelerometers. Of course, thesensors 188 a, 188 b may be other types of sensors, for example, laserdistance sensors, ultrasonic sensors, linear variable differentialtransformer (LVDT) sensors, and/or other contact or non-contactdisplacement sensors.

When the sensors 188 a, 188 b are in the form of three-axisaccelerometers, one of the accelerometers is carried by the inner rim131 defining an inner accelerometer, while another accelerometer iscarried by the outer rim 133 defining an outer accelerometer. The innerand outer accelerometers 188 a, 188 b are aligned by way of their axesso that relative movement of the inner and outer rims 131, 133 as asensed acceleration can be translated, for example, by way of a distancemeasuring circuit 187 coupled to the accelerometers 188 a, 188 b (e.g.,integrating each acceleration).

The sensors 188 a, 188 b may each be different from one another. Forexample, an ultrasonic sensor may be used with the inner and outeraccelerometers 188 a, 188 b to sense or measure displacement (e.g.,tangential to the inner and outer accelerometers). Of course, a laserdistance sensor may be used as an alternative to the ultrasonic sensoror in conjunction with the ultrasonic sensor and/or the inner and outeraccelerometers 188 a, 188 b. The measuring circuit 187 may be carried bythe wheel assembly, the vehicle, or remote from the vehicle.

A temperature sensor 188 c may be carried by the outer rim 133 (e.g.,within or on an inner surface of the outer rim) and coupled to themeasuring circuit 187 to sense a temperature within the wheel assembly,for example, when a cover or inboard or outboard removable sidewalls areused. A humidity sensor 188 d may alternatively or additionally becarried by the outer rim 133 (e.g., within or on an inner surface of theouter rim) and coupled to the measuring circuit 187 to sense humiditywithin the wheel assembly, for example, when a cover or inboard oroutboard removable sidewalls are used. Data representing the humidity,acceleration or distance data (e.g., raw data or processed), and/ortemperature may be remotely communicated from the wheel assembly orvehicle via a wireless transmitter 190 coupled to the measuring circuit187 for downstream processing.

Referring now to FIGS. 26-31, in another embodiment, the wheel assembly230 includes a rigid inboard cover ring 293 coupled to an inboard sideof the outer rim 233, for example, by way of fasteners 207 a. The rigidinboard cover ring 293 extends radially inward toward the inner rim 231.More particularly, the rigid inboard cover ring 293 defines a radiallyand axially extending inboard gap with the inner rim 231. A flexibleinboard seal 209 a, for example, in the form of an inboard bellows seal,is coupled between the rigid inboard cover ring 293 and the inner rim231, for example, by way of respective fasteners 208 a to couple to theinner rim (e.g., used with a clamping arrangement 212 a, such as, forexample, metal banding or other material). The flexible inboard seal 209a closes the radially and axially extending inboard gap and permitsrelative movement of the inner rim 231 and the outer rim 233.Illustratively, the inboard bellows seal 209 a has a Z-shapedcross-section. The flexible inboard seal 209 a may be a different kindof flexible seal, for example, and may have a different shapedcross-section. The flexible inboard seal 209 a may include rubber and/oran elastomeric material. The flexible inboard seal 209 a may includeother and/or additional materials.

The wheel assembly 230 also includes a rigid outboard cover ring 294coupled to an outboard side of the outer rim 233, for example by way offasteners 207 b. The rigid outboard cover ring 294 extends radiallyinward toward the inner rim 231. More particularly, the rigid outboardcover ring 294 defines a radially and axially extending outboard gapwith the inner rim 231. A flexible outboard seal 209 b, for example, inthe form of an outboard bellows seal, is coupled between the rigidoutboard cover ring 294 and the inner rim 231, for example, by way ofrespective fasteners 208 b (and respective clamping arrangement 212 b,for example). The flexible inboard seal 209 b closes the radially andaxially extending outboard gap and permits relative movement of theinner rim 231 and the outer rim 233. Illustratively, the outboardbellows seal 209 a has a Z-shaped cross-section. The flexible outboardseal 209 b may be a different kind of flexible seal, for example, andmay have a different shaped cross-section.

Still further, a respective pleated cover 210 (e.g., bellows), iscoupled to each of the gas springs 250. In particular, the pleatedcovers 210 cover the piston so that dust, dirt, and/or debris may bekept from the piston (FIG. 26). A reduced amount of dust, dirt, and/ordebris in contact with the piston may increase the operational lifespanof the gas springs 250, as will be appreciated by those skilled in theart.

The flexible outboard seal 209 b may include rubber and/or anelastomeric material. The flexible outboard seal 209 b may include otherand/or additional materials. A rigid outboard cover ring 294 and aflexible outboard seal 209 b may not be used in some embodiments.Elements labeled 224, 225, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 262, 281 a and283 are similar to respective elements labeled 24, 25, 40, 41, 42, 43,44, 45, 62, 81 a and 83 (i.e. decremented by 200) described above.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 31, similar to the embodimentsdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 22-24, a rigid removable insetpanel or inner panel 201 may be carried within the rigid outboard coverring 294 (e.g., secured to the wheel assembly by way of fasteners 297 b)so that when removed, by way of respective fasteners 202, permits accessto inner interior of the wheel assembly 230, for example, the inner rim.Access ports or removable covers 211 a are spaced apart within the rigidoutboard cover ring 294. The removable covers 211 a may be clearacrylic, for example, to permit visual inspection within the wheelassembly without removing the rigid removable inset panel 201 and/or topermit ease of access to sensors, controller, and/or other circuitry,for example, as described above. A similar arrangement including theaccess ports or removable covers 211 b may be used as the rigid inboardcover ring 294, for example, as described above (FIGS. 26-27). Theaccess ports 211 a, 211 b may be not used in all embodiments.

The embodiments of the wheel assembly 30 described herein may beparticularly advantageous with respect to a conventional pneumatic tire,for example, particularly on a relatively large vehicle (e.g., heavymachinery). A conventional pneumatic tire, for example, for heavymachinery has a relatively high cost and, in some environments, may havea relatively short usage life. Moreover, particularly with heavymachinery, a failure of a conventional tire may cause be associated withan increased chance of damage to the heavy machinery. Even stillfurther, a failure of a conventional tire may cause the vehicle 20 to beinoperable or out of service for a relatively long time period, thusresulting in a financial loss and loss of productivity, particularly forcertain types of vehicles or heavy machinery that operate around theclock.

The wheel assembly 30 may address these shortcomings of a conventionaltire. More particularly, the wheel assembly 30 may have a loweroperational cost with increased performance (e.g., by way of thecontrollable operating response of the gas springs 50). Additionally,the wheel assembly 30 may be field serviceable, meaning that treadmembers 72 may be replaced in the field. Repairs, for example, in thecase of failed gas springs 50, may also be repaired in the field.

A method aspect is directed to a method of making a wheel assembly 30 tobe coupled to a hub 21 of a vehicle 20. The method includes operativelycoupling a plurality of gas springs 50 between an inner rim 31 to becoupled to the hub 21 of the vehicle 20 and an outer rim 33 surroundingthe inner rim. The method also includes mounting a plurality of treadassemblies 70 to the outer rim 33. Each tread assembly 70 may be mountedby bonding at least one tread member 72 to a tread member support 71 andpositioning a clamping arrangement 73 to removably secure the treadmember support to the outer rim 33.

Another method aspect is directed to a method of making wheel assembly30 to be coupled to a hub 21 of a vehicle 20. The method includesoperatively coupling a plurality of gas springs 50 between an inner rim31 to be coupled to the hub 21 of the vehicle 20 and an outer rim 33surrounding the inner rim 31 to provide a gas suspension for relativemovement between the inner rim and the outer rim. The method alsoincludes coupling a disk 40 to the inner rim 31 that defines a closeablegap 41 with adjacent interior portions of the outer rim 33 to define amechanical stop to limit relative movement of the inner rim and outerrim.

Another method aspect is directed to a method of making a wheel assembly30 to be coupled to a hub 21 of a vehicle 20. The method includesoperatively coupling a plurality of gas springs 50 operatively betweenan inner rim 31 to be coupled to the hub 21 of a vehicle 20 and an outerrim 33 surrounding the inner rim to provide a gas suspension forrelative movement between the inner rim and the outer rim. The methodalso includes coupling a disk 40 coupled to the inner rim 31 anddefining a closeable gap 41 with adjacent interior portions of the outerrim 33. The method may further include positioning a plurality ofinboard lateral stops 44 carried by an inboard interior surface of theouter rim 33, and positioning plurality of outboard lateral stops 45carried by outboard interior surface of the outer rim so that theplurality of inboard lateral stops and plurality of outboard lateralstops cooperate to limit relative lateral movement of the disk 40 andthe outer rim.

Another method aspect is directed to a method of making a wheel assembly30 to be coupled to a hub 21 of a vehicle 20. The method includesoperatively coupling a plurality of gas springs 50 between an inner rim31 to be coupled to the hub 21 of the vehicle 20 and an outer rim 33surrounding the inner rim. At least one gas spring 50 from among theplurality thereof has a controllable operating response. The method alsoincludes coupling a local controller 87 to the at least one gas spring50 to control the operating response of the at least one gas spring.

Another related method aspect is directed to a method of operating awheel assembly 30 to be coupled to a hub 21 of a vehicle 20. The wheelassembly 30 includes an inner rim 31 to be coupled to the hub 21 of thevehicle 20, an outer rim 33 surrounding the inner rim, and a pluralityof gas springs 50 operatively coupled between the inner rim and theouter rim. At least one gas spring 50 from among the plurality thereofhas a controllable operating response. The method includes operating alocal controller 87 coupled to the at least one gas spring 50 to controlthe operating response of the at least one gas spring.

Another method aspect is directed to a method of sensing relativemovement, e.g. a distance, between an inner rim 131 of a wheel assembly30 to be coupled to a hub 21 of a vehicle 20 and an outer rim 133 of thewheel assembly. The inner rim 131 is to be coupled to the hub 21 of avehicle 20 and the outer rim 133 surrounding the inner rim. The wheelassembly 30 includes a plurality of gas springs 50 operatively coupledbetween the inner rim 131 and the outer rim 133 and permitting relativemovement therebetween. The method includes using at least one sensor 188a, 188 b to sense the relative movement between the inner and outer rims131, 133 during operation or rolling of the wheel assembly.

Another method aspect is directed to a method of making a wheel assembly30 to be coupled to a hub 21 of a vehicle 20. The method includescoupling an inner rim 231 to be to the hub 21 of the vehicle 20 andpositioning an outer rim 233 surrounding the inner rim. The method alsoincludes operatively coupling a plurality of gas springs 50 between theinner rim 231 and the outer rim 233 to permit relative movementtherebetween. The method further includes coupling a rigid inboard coverring 293 to an inboard side of the outer rim 233 and extending radiallyinward toward the inner rim 231 and coupling a flexible inboard seal 209a between the rigid inboard cover ring and the inner rim.

Referring now to FIG. 32, in another embodiment of the wheel assembly330, an outer ring 340 or disk is coupled to the outer rim 333. This isin contrast to embodiments described above where the ring or disk 40 iscoupled to the inner rim 331. In the present embodiments, the outer ring340 being coupled to the outer rim 333 defines a closeable gap 341 withadjacent interior portions of the inner rim 331 to define a mechanicalstop to limit relative movement of the inner and outer rims. Similarlyto the embodiments described above, the outer rim 333 may have adiameter of at least 3.5 feet.

Similarly to the embodiments above, the outer ring 340 also includesweight-reduction openings 343 therein. The weight-reduction openings 343each illustratively have a generally round or circular shape. Theweight-reduction openings 343 may have another shape, such as oblong,hexagonal, and/or contoured for stress reduction, for example.

Gas springs 350 are operatively coupled between the inner rim 331 andthe outer rim 333. Each gas spring 350 may be a double-acting gasspring, for example, and include a double-acting gas cylinder 351 and anassociated piston 352. Of course, in some embodiments, each gas spring350 may be a single-acting gas spring. More than one type of gas spring350 may be used. The gas springs 350 may be air springs and/or nitrogensprings, for example. The gas springs 350 may include other gasses aswell.

Illustratively, the gas springs 350 are arranged in pairs on oppositesides of the outer ring 340. More particularly, the gas springs 350diverge outwardly from the inner rim 331 to the outer rim 333. Arespective attachment bracket 353 for each gas spring 350 is coupled tothe inner rim 331. Each attachment bracket 353 may include a generallyU-shaped or V-shaped base bracket that receives an end of the piston 352therein (e.g., between the arm of the U- or V-shaped bracket). Afastener fastens the end of the piston 352 of the gas spring 350 to thebase bracket 353. A similar attachment bracket 353 is coupled to theouter rim 333 adjacent inboard and outboard surfaces. Accordingly, thegas springs 350 are pivotably coupled between the inner and outer rims331, 333.

Similar to the embodiments described above, as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, the gas springs 350 provide a gas suspensionfor relative movement between the inner rim 331 and the outer rim 333.The gas springs 350 have an operating stroke the permits the outer ring340 to define a mechanical stop. In other words, the gas springs 350maintain the outer rim 333 spaced apart from the inner rim 331. However,if pressure on any gas spring 350 causes the gas spring to reach itslimit under load or the gas spring fails, the outer ring 340 may act asa mechanical stop to limit relative movement of the inner and outer rims331, 333. In other words, the outer ring 340 and gas springs 350 may beconsidered as providing a run-flat capability. Since the gas springs 350are similar to the gas springs described with respect to the embodimentsabove, further details of the gas springs need not be described.

Referring additionally to FIG. 33, the wheel assembly 330 also includesinboard lateral stops 344 coupled between an inboard side of the outerrim 333 and an inboard side of the inner rim 331. More particularly, theinboard lateral stops 344 are illustratively in the form of hingeretainers or scissor hinges. Each inboard lateral stop 344 includesinboard hinge brackets 346 a, 346 b and inboard elastomeric bodies 347,for example, urethane bodies, carried by the hinge bracket adjacent theouter rim 333. More particularly, the inboard elastomeric bodies 347couple to an outer lateral stop mounting bracket 349 a that is coupledto the outer rim 333. The inboard hinge brackets 346 a, 346 b arecoupled by way of a hinge pin 348. In some embodiments, an outer lateralstop mounting bracket 349 a may not be used as the inboard elastomericbodies 347 may couple, for example, directly, to the outer ring 340, forexample, by way of a hinge pin 348. The hinge bracket 346 b is coupledto the inner rim 331 by way of an inner lateral stop mounting bracket349 b coupled to the inner rim by a hinge pin 348 coupled to the innerlateral stop mounting bracket. In some embodiments, the hinge bracket346 b may couple to the inner rim 331 without an inner lateral stopmounting bracket 349 b, for example, directly to the inner rim by way ofa hinge pin 348.

The wheel assembly 330 also includes outboard lateral stops 345 coupledbetween an outboard side of the outer rim 333 and an outboard side ofthe inner rim 331. More particularly, the outboard lateral stops 345 areillustratively in the form of hinge retainers or scissor hinges that aresimilar to the inboard lateral stops 344. That is, each outboard lateralstop 345 includes outboard hinge brackets 346 a, 346 b and outboardelastomeric bodies 347, for example, urethane bodies, carried by thehinge bracket adjacent the outer rim 333. More particularly, theoutboard elastomeric bodies 347 couple to an outer lateral stop mountingbracket 349 a that is coupled to the outer rim 333. The hinge brackets346 a, 346 b are coupled by way of a hinge pin 348. In some embodiments,an outer lateral stop mounting bracket 349 a may not be used as theoutboard elastomeric bodies 347 may couple, for example, directly, tothe outer ring 340, for example, by way of a hinge pin 348. The hingebracket 346 b is coupled to the inner rim 331 by way of an inner lateralstop mounting bracket 349 b coupled to the inner rim by a hinge pin 348coupled to the inner lateral stop mounting bracket. In some embodiments,the hinge bracket 346 b may couple to the inner rim 331 without an innerlateral stop mounting bracket 349 b, for example, directly to the innerrim by way of a hinge pin 348.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inboard and outboardlateral stops 344, 345, similarly to the lateral stops described withrespect to the embodiments above, limit relative movement of the outerrim 333 (and thus the outer ring 340) and the inner rim 331. In otherwords, turning, for example, of the vehicle may cause lateral movementof the outer ring 340 relative to the inner rim 331. The inboard andoutboard lateral stops 344, 345 may limit the amount of lateral movementof the outer ring 340 relative to the inner rim 331 to thereby maintainstructural integrity of the wheel assembly 330. Of course, the inboardand outboard lateral stops 344, 345 may include other and/or additionalcomponents or elements that cooperate to limit relative lateral movementof the outer ring 340 and the outer inner rim 331.

Other elements illustrated, such as, for example, fastener receivingpassageways 324 within inwardly extending flange ring 325, the treadassemblies 370, and the clamping arrangement 373 including the inboardclamping members 374 and fasteners 379 a, are similar to correspondingelements described with respect to the embodiments described above.Accordingly, these elements as they relate to the present embodimentsneed no further discussion.

A method aspect is directed to method of making a wheel assembly 330 tobe coupled to a hub of a vehicle. The method includes operativelycoupling a plurality of gas springs 350 between an inner rim 331 to becoupled to the hub of the vehicle and an outer rim 333 surrounding thehub to provide a gas suspension for relative movement between the innerrim and the outer rim. The method may also include coupling an outerring 340 to the outer rim 333 that defines a closeable gap 341 withadjacent interior portions of the inner rim to define a mechanical stopto limit relative movement of the inner rim and outer rim.

Referring now to FIGS. 34-35, in another embodiment of the wheelassembly 330′, an outer ring 340 a′ is coupled to the outer rim 333′ andan inner ring 340 b′ is coupled to the inner rim 331′. The inner ring340 b′ defines a closeable gap 341′ with adjacent portions of the outerring 340 a′ to define a mechanical stop to limit relative movement ofthe inner and outer rims 331′, 333′. Similarly to the embodimentsdescribed above, the outer rim 333′ may have a diameter of at least 3.5feet.

The outer ring 340 a′ has an outer ring body 363 a′ and an outer ringedge cap 364 a′ carried by an inner edge of the outer ring body. Theinner ring 340 b′ also includes an inner ring body 363 b′ and an innerring edge cap 364 b′ carried by an outer edge of the inner ring body.The inner and outer ring edge caps 364 a′, 364 b′ provide an increasedsurface area mechanical stop to limit the relative movement of the innerand outer rims 331′, 333′.

Similarly to the embodiments above, the outer ring 340 a′ also includesweight-reduction openings 343 a′ therein. The inner ring 340 b′ alsoincludes weight-reduction openings 343 b′ therein. The weight-reductionopenings 343 a′, 343 b′ each illustratively have a generally round orcircular shape. The weight-reduction openings 343 a′, 343 b′ may haveanother shape, such as oblong, hexagonal, and/or contoured for stressreduction, for example.

Gas springs 350′ are operatively coupled between the inner rim 331′ andthe outer rim 333′. Each gas spring 350′ may be a double-acting gasspring, for example, and include a double-acting gas cylinder 351′ andan associated piston 352′. Of course, in some embodiments, each gasspring 350′ may be a single-acting gas spring. More than one type of gasspring 350′ may be used. The gas springs 350′ may be air springs and/ornitrogen springs, for example. The gas springs 350′ may include othergasses as well.

Illustratively, the gas springs 350′ are arranged in pairs on oppositesides of the outer ring 340 a′. More particularly, the gas springs 350′diverge outwardly from the inner rim 331′ to the outer rim 333′. Arespective attachment bracket 353′ for each gas spring 350′ is coupledto the inner ring 340 b′, and more particularly, the inner ring body 363b′. Each attachment bracket 353′ may include a generally U-shaped orV-shaped base bracket that receives an end of the piston 352′ therein(e.g., between the arm of the U- or V-shaped bracket). A fastenerfastens the end of the piston 352′ of the gas spring 350′ to the basebracket. A similar attachment bracket 353′ is coupled to the outer rim333′ adjacent inboard and outboard surfaces. Accordingly, the gassprings 350′ are pivotably coupled between the inner and outer rims331′, 333′.

Similar to the embodiments described above, as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, the gas springs 350′ provide a gas suspensionfor relative movement between the inner rim 331′ and the outer rim 333′.The gas springs 350′ have an operating stroke the permits the outer ring340 a′ to define a mechanical stop. In other words, the gas springs 350′maintain the outer rim 333′ spaced apart from the inner rim 331′.However, if pressure on any gas spring 350′ causes the gas spring toreach its limit under load or the gas spring fails, the outer ring 340a′ may act as a mechanical stop to limit relative movement of the innerand outer rims 331′, 333′. In other words, the outer ring 340 a′ and gassprings 350′ may be considered as providing a run-flat capability. Sincethe gas springs 350′ are similar to the gas springs described withrespect to the embodiments above, further details of the gas springsneed not be described.

Referring additionally to FIG. 37, the wheel assembly 330′ also includesinboard lateral stops 344′ carried between an inboard side of the outerrim 333′ and an inboard side of the inner rim 331′. More particularly,the inboard lateral stops 344′ are illustratively in the form of hingeretainers or scissor hinges. Each inboard lateral stop 344′ includesinboard hinge brackets 346 a′, 346 b′ and an inboard elastomeric body347′, for example, a urethane body, carried by the hinge bracketadjacent an inboard side of the outer ring 340 a′. The inboardelastomeric body 347′ couples to a wall portion of outer ring 340 a′ byway of a hinge pin 348′. The hinge brackets 346 a′, 346 b′ are coupledtogether by way of a hinge pin 348′. The hinge bracket 346 b′ is coupledto a wall portion of the inner ring 340 b′ by way of a hinge pin 348′.

The wheel assembly 330′ also includes outboard lateral stops 345′carried between an outboard side of the outer rim 333′ and an outboardside of the inner rim 331′. More particularly, the outboard lateralstops 345′ are illustratively in the form of hinge retainers or scissorhinges. Each outboard lateral stop 345′ includes outboard hinge brackets346 a′, 346 b′ and an outboard elastomeric body 347′, for example, aurethane body, carried by the hinge bracket adjacent an outboard side ofthe outer ring 340 a′. The outboard elastomeric body 347′ couples to awall portion of outer ring 340 a′ opposite a corresponding portion ofthe inboard lateral stop 344′ by way of a hinge pin 348′, which may beshared with the hinge pin of the inboard lateral stop. The hingebrackets 346 a′, 346 b′ are coupled by way of a hinge pin 348′. Thehinge bracket 346 b′ is coupled to a wall portion of the inner ring 340b′ opposite the corresponding portion of the inboard lateral stop 344′by way of a hinge pin 348′, which may be shared with the hinge pin ofthe inboard lateral stop. As will be appreciated by those skilled in theart, the inboard lateral stops 344′ are structurally similar to theoutboard lateral stops 345′, just positioned opposite (i.e., on theinboard side) to the outboard lateral stops.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inboard and outboardlateral stops 344′, 345′ limit relative movement of the outer ring 340a′ and the inner ring 340 b′. In other words, turning, for example, ofthe vehicle may cause lateral movement of the outer ring 340 a′ relativeto the inner ring 340 b′. The inboard and outboard lateral stops 344′,345′ may limit the amount of lateral movement of the outer ring 340 a′relative to the inner ring 340 b′ to thereby maintain structuralintegrity of the wheel assembly 330′. Of course, the inboard andoutboard lateral stops 344′, 345′ may include other and/or additionalcomponents or elements that cooperate to limit relative lateral movementof the outer ring 340 a′ and the outer inner rim 331′.

Other elements illustrated, such as, for example, the tread assemblies370′ and the clamping arrangement 373′ including the inboard clampingmembers 374′ and fasteners 379 a′, are similar to corresponding elementsdescribed with respect to the embodiments described above. Accordingly,these elements as they relate to the present embodiments need no furtherdiscussion.

A method aspect is directed to a method of making a wheel assembly 330′to be coupled to a hub of a vehicle. The method includes operativelycoupling a plurality of gas springs 350′ between an inner rim 331′ to becoupled to the hub of the vehicle and an outer rim 333′ surrounding thehub to provide a gas suspension for relative movement between the innerrim and the outer rim. The method also includes coupling an outer ring340 a′ to the outer rim 333′ and coupling an inner ring 340 b′ to theinner rim 331′ that defines a closeable gap 341′ with adjacent interiorportions of the outer ring to define a mechanical stop to limit relativemovement of the inner rim and outer rim.

While several embodiments have been described herein, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that any one or more elements from any one ormore embodiments may be used in conjunction with any one or moreelements from any other embodiment or embodiments. Moreover, whilereference is made herein to inner and outer, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that in many embodiments, elements described withrespect to inner may be used as outer and vice versa, and/or thoseelements described as being inner may be used with elements described asbeing outer and vice versa.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications andembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A wheel assembly to be coupled to a hub ofa vehicle, the wheel assembly comprising: an inner rim to be coupled tothe hub of the vehicle; an outer rim surrounding the hub; a plurality ofgas springs operatively coupled between said inner rim and said outerrim to provide a gas suspension for relative movement between said innerrim and said outer rim; an outer ring coupled to said outer rim; and aninner ring coupled to said inner rim and defining a closeable gap withadjacent portions of said outer ring to define a mechanical stop tolimit relative movement between said inner rim and outer rim.
 2. Thewheel assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of gas springs have anoperating stroke permitting said outer ring and inner ring to define themechanical stop.
 3. The wheel assembly of claim 1 wherein said outerring comprises a plurality of weight-reduction openings therein.
 4. Thewheel assembly of claim 3 wherein said plurality of weight-reductionopenings comprises a plurality of circular openings.
 5. The wheelassembly of claim 1 comprising a respective attachment bracket for eachgas spring coupled to said outer rim.
 6. The wheel assembly of claim 1wherein said plurality of gas springs are arranged in pairs on oppositesides of said outer ring.
 7. The wheel assembly of claim 1 wherein saidplurality of gas springs diverge outwardly from said inner ring to saidouter rim.
 8. The wheel assembly of claim 1 comprising a plurality ofinboard lateral stops coupled between an inboard side of said outer rimand an inboard side of said inner rim, and a plurality of outboardlateral stops coupled between an outboard side of said outer rim and anoutboard side of said inner rim; and wherein said plurality of inboardlateral stops and said plurality of outboard lateral stops cooperate tolimit relative lateral movement between said outer ring and said innerring.
 9. The wheel assembly of claim 8 wherein said plurality of inboardlateral stops comprises a plurality of inboard hinge retainers; andwherein said plurality of outboard lateral stops comprises a pluralityof outboard hinge retainers.
 10. The wheel assembly of claim 9 whereinsaid plurality of inboard hinge retainers each comprises an inboardhinge bracket and an inboard elastomeric body carried thereby; andwherein said plurality of outboard hinge retainers each comprises anoutboard hinge bracket and an outboard elastomeric body carried thereby.11. The wheel assembly of claim 1 wherein said outer rim has a diameterof at least 3.5 feet.
 12. The wheel assembly of claim 1 wherein each ofsaid plurality of gas springs comprises a double-acting gas cylinder andassociated piston.
 13. A wheel assembly to be coupled to a hub of avehicle, the wheel assembly comprising: an inner rim to be coupled tothe hub of the vehicle; an outer rim surrounding the hub; a plurality ofgas springs operatively coupled between said inner rim and said outerrim to provide a gas suspension for relative movement between said innerrim and said outer rim; an outer ring coupled to said outer rim; and aninner ring coupled to said inner rim and defining a closeable gap withadjacent portions of said outer ring to define a mechanical stop tolimit relative movement between said inner rim and outer rim; saidplurality of gas springs being arranged in pairs on opposite sides ofsaid outer ring, and each of said plurality of gas springs having anoperating stroke permitting said outer ring and inner ring to define themechanical stop.
 14. The wheel assembly of claim 13 wherein said outerring comprises a plurality of weight-reduction openings therein.
 15. Thewheel assembly of claim 14 wherein said plurality of weight-reductionopenings comprises a plurality of circular openings.
 16. The wheelassembly of claim 13 comprising a respective attachment bracket for eachgas spring coupled to said outer rim.
 17. The wheel assembly of claim 13wherein said plurality of gas springs diverge outwardly from said innerring to said outer rim.
 18. The wheel assembly of claim 13 comprising aplurality of inboard lateral stops coupled between an inboard side ofsaid outer rim and an inboard side of said inner rim, and a plurality ofoutboard lateral stops coupled between an outboard side of said outerrim and an outboard side of said inner rim; and wherein said pluralityof inboard lateral stops and said plurality of outboard lateral stopscooperate to limit relative lateral movement between said outer ring andsaid inner ring.
 19. A method of making a wheel assembly to be coupledto a hub of a vehicle, the method comprising: operatively coupling aplurality of gas springs between an inner rim to be coupled to the hubof the vehicle and an outer rim surrounding the hub to provide a gassuspension for relative movement between the inner rim and the outerrim; coupling an outer ring to the outer rim; and coupling an inner ringto the inner rim that defines a closeable gap with adjacent interiorportions of the outer ring to define a mechanical stop to limit relativemovement between the inner rim and outer rim.
 20. The method of claim 19wherein the plurality of gas springs have an operating stroke permittingthe outer ring and inner ring to define the mechanical stop.
 21. Themethod of claim 19 wherein the outer ring comprises a plurality ofweight-reduction openings therein.
 22. The method of claim 19 comprisingcoupling a respective attachment bracket for each gas spring to theouter rim.
 23. The method of claim 19 wherein operatively coupling theplurality of gas springs comprises operatively coupling the plurality ofgas springs in pairs on opposite sides of the outer ring.
 24. The methodof claim 19 comprising coupling a plurality of inboard lateral stopscoupled between an inboard side of the outer rim and an inboard side ofthe inner rim, and coupling a plurality of outboard lateral stopscoupled between an outboard side of the outer rim and an outboard sideof the inner rim; and wherein the plurality of inboard lateral stops andthe plurality of outboard lateral stops cooperate to limit relativelateral movement between the outer ring and the inner ring.